A MUM has embarked on a fundraising campaign to repair the wheelchair which has transformed her life.

Claire Dixon of Redcar was born with cerebral palsy and is wheelchair reliant.

While conventional wheelchairs posed many problems for Claire’s attempts to lead a normal life, her world was turned on its head in 2005.

That’s when the Steve Redgrave Trust - set up by the Olympic rower, pictured inset above, to help disadvantaged people - agreed to donate £22,000 to buy her a revolutionary, four wheel drive Ibot 4000 electric wheelchair.

It meant previously out-of-bounds areas were suddenly accessible. But five years on, the chair has broken down. And with the repair bill about £1,500, Claire and husband Andrew, her full-time carer, are trying to raise the cash so she can regain her independence.

And that will also benefit the couple’s son James, six, and new daughter, 12-week-old Hannah. Claire, 38, of Mablethorpe Close, Redcar, explained: “James doesn’t understand why mum now can’t take him to the places I used to.

“When James was born, I struggled with things like going to the park because there’s not always a path. Then I got the Ibot and things changed.”

The Steve Redgrave Trust not only paid for the chair, which can access most places with its ability to balance on two wheels, but funded Claire’s training to be able to use it.

Claire said: “My Ibot took the worry away over whether I could go somewhere, and how much help I’d need - 99% of places are accessible with it. It’s amazing. I’ve seen people walk into lamp-posts because they can’t believe what they’re seeing me make it do. It means I can have almost total independence with James and Hannah. I can be like any other normal mum.

The Ibot parts can only be replaced by the US maker, Independence Technology. To raise the money, Andrew has held a fundraising fishing match and plans a sponsored walk on Bank Holiday Monday from Saltburn to Whitby.

Claire, who is recovering from the C-section needed to deliver baby Hannah, added: “People think that because we receive benefits, they’ll pay for the chair. But because it’s a private chair, we have to maintain it.”

Andrew added: “I want to go back to work but while she’s in a conventional chair, I can’t.”

For details, visit “Ideas, Suggestions & Donations for Claire Dixon’s Special Wheelchair” on Facebook or call Andrew on 07971 388594.